Jrjg

Thank you both for your replies I have been in touch with the local Skoda dealership and have ordered one for twenty something pounds. Thanks again for the information JRJG When you say you trimmed some of the plastic to allow the floor to sit flat, is that with a ‘variable boot floor’ option fitted? regards JRJG

Good evening folks I have been given 5 wheels with winter tyres fitted. The issue I have is the spare tyre kit, as in the foam insert that sits inside the spare wheel, does not fit inside my new fifth wheel. Due to it being a full size alloy rather than the original space saver. Also the boot floor does not quite sit flush, that doesn’t bother me as I have a full boot liner fitted anyhow. I intend to buy another foam insert and cut down the ‘wedges’ on the outside so that it fits in snug inside the new alloy. I can then simply swap all parts from my original kit, into another insert for when the winter wheels come out. My question to you all is what other Vag cars share the same spare wheel kit, or more importantly the same foam insert, as the Octavia mk3? It is an estate too if that makes any difference to the wheel well. I much appreciate any information or advice Regards JRJG

That is good news, I think I did around 60k or maybe even more on mine before it died. Worst part was I sold it on as a non runner, for strong money, to be sent a video from the buyer of it running perfectly after just fitting a new belt, I had assumed bent valves and everything else. Moved onto an Octavia diesel vRS as hoping to start a family soon, but it is so sedate and boring comparing to the Fabia. A superb 280 is on the horizon as the next car. Definitely regret selling the Fabia. Take care JRJG

Lol good to see he hasn’t changed one bit. Is your Fabia still running well with the gtb1756 on Duck? Mine snapped it’s cambelt a couple of years ago :( JRJG

Following. One of the first things I thought when I first bought my Octavia was “ooh the lights are fancy turning side to side and self levelling”. The second thought was: “I bet that’s not cheap when it eventually breaks...” Hoping to hear good news from the rest of the forum, best of luck to you! JRJG

Sold #337 about 12 months ago, I snapped it’s cam belt on a the daily morning commute, I should of replaced it more frequently knowing the extra power it was running (Gtb1756) and the abuse I gave it. Sold it as a non runner for good money although it was worth more in the mods fitted, never mind the se parts. Since bought an octavia vrs estate (kids are on the horizon fingers crossed). Miss the Fabia like an old friend, already hear myself talk about it in a really affectionate and admiring tone. Sold to a fella who sent me a video shortly after of it running, just needed a new cam belt, I’d assumed bent valves and all sorts and therefore not worth the cost to repair. Wish I’d never pressed play on that video! JRJG

Had red stuff pads on Octavia brakes on my old Fabia and I too was really impressed with not just their performance but also how little dust they produced. that was around five years ago or so, potentially before the ‘blip’ you mentioned so I can’t comment of more recent experience. I too feel the standard brakes on the vRS aren’t up to the standard I require so was considering a swap to red stuff pads and a fluid upgrade. let us know how you get on with the red stuff pads JRJG

Heya would you be heading up towards Bamber Bridge at any time? It’s about halfway roughly. JRJG

Thanks very much for the info and the offer. Is it a fairly simple job? Regards JRJG

Hi folks anyone located in Lancashire with the software capabilities to permanently disable the auto stop start function? Beer tokens in exchange of course. I have messaged a local member with software of some description but he hasn’t been on the site since April so I’m not holding my breath for a reply. regards JRJG

Hi folks I have a 2014 tdi vRS estate. Have a small ‘crease’ in the rear bumper. It’s nothing major but I’m not sure how well a repair will be able to ‘hide it’ / mask it. Worst case scenario I’ll replace the rear bumper which after a quick inspection doesn’t look like a massive job. Even the parking sensors don’t seem to be a massive issue. My question to your collective knowledge is: What rear bumpers have I got to choose from? Are the hatch and estate bumpers the same? Are the VRS bumpers any different to the other models of the same age? Did the facelift alter the rear bumper at all? My current bumper has the red reflective strip across it, am I correct in saying that is an option or was it a standard strip on all vRS models? Thanks very much in advance to anyone who has any information. cheers JRJG

Thanks very much, looks reasonable. JRJG

A really well specced car. If only it were an estate, i’d of snatched it straight off your hands! I’n sure it won’t be for sale for long. JRJG

Does anyone know how big of a job it is to do it yourself? I assume there is a sump plug of some description but what is the access like? Both for accessing the cap above and the plug below? Just about to buy a mk3 and thinking of changing the oil very soon as it’s on 30 something k mileage. JRJG

Can’t say I’ve ever had a heated front screen so I’d be happy without, although I imagine it is a good option to have in the winter. Is that part of a ‘winter pack’ ? I don’t see myself doing more than turbo and remap, or more realistically just remap. As I haven’t heard as many ‘bulletproof’ reviews regarding the engine from my various mechanic friends. Thanks for the advice, i will have a read through your build thread at some point soon. Some folk just want to push and push and push don’t they! I bet that is a great sleeper. JRJG